NSLI for YOUTH MOSCOW (Ages 15-18)

About

2018 Program Dates: July 14 – August 25, 2018

For the ninth year in a row, the Russian American Foundation was selected as an implementing organization for the highly prestigious NSLI FOR YOUTH Scholarships to Study Language Abroad Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with American Councils for International Education. RAF is honored to continue offering the NSLI-Y Russian Language & Culture, RAF and Bolshoi Way to its Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive participants.

This highly successful program allows RAF to send, on a full scholarship, academically high-achieving students of ballet to Moscow on a summer educational and pre-professional program. The comprehensive experience combines Russian language instruction, cultural immersion, and ballet training with Teachers of Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy.

For those selected to participate, the NSLI FOR YOUTH Program will start immediately after the end of the first BBASI 3-week session in New York. The NSLI FOR YOUTH program is meant to recognize participants’ academic merit and interest in Russian language and culture. No prior language experience is necessary to be considered. The Program will be designed to give full linguistic and cultural immersion, in addition to the high quality ballet training that participants expect from RAF’s partnership with Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy.

RAF’s NSLI-Y Program combines RAF’s mission of promoting a non-partisan bilateral dialogue and the goals of the NSLI for YOUTH program, as relating to Russia:

To improve the ability of Americans to engage with the people of Russian-speaking countries through shared language

To develop a cadre of Americans with advanced linguistic skills and related cultural understanding who are able to use their linguistic and cultural skills to advance international dialogue and compete effectively in the global economy

To provide a tangible incentive for the learning and use of foreign language by creating overseas language study opportunities for U.S. high school students

To spark a lifetime interest in foreign languages and cultures among American youth

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul (May 2012):

“I can’t stress enough how important these exchanges are in building a strong relationship between our countries… These exchanges provide academic opportunities for students in all fields. But indirectly, they also help to undermine stereotypes. Nothing is worse for scientific advance, business development, or international cooperation than assumptions based on false impressions or factual inaccuracies. Greater engagement and understanding does not always lead to common interests or shared values. But interaction between our societies at least reduces the probability of disagreements based on misperceptions and increases the opportunities of collaboration between individuals, companies, non-governmental organizations, universities, and governments.

For comprehensive details about the NSLI FOR YOUTH program requirements and all other information, please visit the official NSLIY website.

*Program details are subject to change.
** The Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by the Russian American Foundation (“RAF”), and implemented in collaboration with local independent entities in Russia and U.S. Additionally, unaffiliated service providers are used through-out the program.***Program implementation subject to available funding of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Program

PROGRAM

NSLI FOR YOUTH, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students and recent high school graduates to learn less commonly taught languages in summer and academic-year overseas immersion programs. NSLI-Y is part of a U.S. government initiative that prepares American citizens to be leaders in a global world.

RAF’s NSLI-Y program offers a unique opportunity to acquire Russian language skills, cultural competency and augment one’s ballet training through in-class language instruction, authentic cultural activities, host family stays and ballet training at Moscow’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Formal language classes, 4 hours/day, and individual assignments will provide formal environment for participants to study Russian language. In-class instruction will be supplemented by various cultural activities designed to increase participants’ knowledge of the culture, society, and people of Modern Day Russia. RAF’s NSLI-Y program is unique as participants also train 3 hours/day with Teachers at the world-renowned Moscow State Academy of Choreography (MGAKh), known as the Bolshoi Ballet Academy.

During the week, participants reside in the dormitories of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, while on the weekends participants live with assigned host families, who typically host one to two American participants each. During their time with their host families, participants become part of the rich Russian traditions centered on family life, practice linguistic skills, and experience local culture first hand. Host families often take participants to city sites, parks, markets, and even to the dacha (a weekend summer house in the outskirts of the city) and involve them in family holidays and traditions; such as cooking, birthday celebrations, and other aspects of locals’ life.

Successful participants strive to succeed both academically, by improving their language skills, and culturally, by gaining an understanding and appreciation for a new way of life. Participants should expect to immerse themselves in the language and cultural experience; they should not expect to complete academic work for their U.S. school while abroad. Participants should also be prepared to demonstrate open-mindedness, flexibility, and initiative in negotiating the cross-cultural environment, as well as to navigate the challenges inherent to any cross-cultural experience, including conditions and circumstances significantly different from those in the U.S. All participants should expect to have homework and take exams during the course of the program.

LOCATION

The Bolshoi Ballet Academy is located in the heart of Moscow, with sites like Red Square, Old Arbat, Gorky Park, and many others easily accessible for participants. The host families are spread throughout the Moscow metro-area and different neighborhoods. While no participant is allowed to travel beyond Moscow and its surrounding suburbs, host families are encouraged to introduce participants to the diversity of Moscow’s neighborhoods, from city center to the dacha in the outskirts of the city.

CULTURAL PROGRAM*

RAF plans several organized cultural events to help expand participants’ understanding of Russia. The nature of this program encourages participants to explore the city on their own in addition to RAF’s cultural program. Previously, the organized cultural program has included events such as:

meeting with foreign service officers at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow

master classes and gallery tours with world-renowned Russian artists

attendance of Moscow’s theaters and ballet companies

restaurant outings for authentic Russian cuisine

SUPERVISION & PROGRAM PREPARATION

Moscow is one of the most dynamic and fascinating cities in the world. Similar to New York, it is a big city and, therefore, regular awareness, common sense, and caution are expected from all participants at all times.

While RAF takes great care to ensure the safety and well-being of participants during the Program, our ability to do so depends, in part, on serious preparation of participants and their families for the experience. All Participants in the Program are expected to be mature and responsible in their decision making process, to be able to function independently, to understand the inherent risks involved in overseas travel, to understand the rigorous nature of the Program, and to comply with all rules, laws, and regulations of the Program and the overseas host country and hosts. The Program is structured so that, in addition to organized and chaperoned activities, participants are encouraged to explore Moscow on their own. Attendance at all Program activities and curfew is mandatory. An American Resident Advisor will accompany the group on the overseas trip, will reside with the group at the Academy residency, and will be available to participants for overall guidance and 24/7 emergency assistance. Resident Advisor will not accompany participants during their free time, individual activities, and/or during their stays at host families.

While in many respects Moscow is like the big cities in the US and shares a similar level of risks, there are some country specific ones. Below are important links that will assist candidates and their families to understand some of the Russia specific risks, advisories, and recommendations which are relevant to travel to Russia:

*Program details are subject to change
** The Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by the Russian American Foundation (“RAF”), and implemented in collaboration with local independent entities in Russia and U.S. Additionally, unaffiliated service providers are used through-out the program.***Program implementation subject to available funding of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Eligibility

IS NSLI-Y RIGHT FOR YOU?

Please click here to read more about the NSLI-Y RAF and Bolshoi Way program and see whether it is the right opportunity for you!

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

An applicant MUST meet the following general requirements:

Be a U.S. Citizen

Have a valid U.S. passport at the time of application

Enrolled in High School (grades 9-12, including home school) at the time of application

15-18 years of age at start of program (birthdate between July 10, 1999 and June 10, 2003)

Not an immediate family member of an employee of the U.S. Department of State who works in the Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs or an employee at a NSLI for YOUTH administering organization whose duties involve the NSLI for YOUTH Program

Have not previously traveled outside the U.S. on a long-term (more than eight-week) program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Have not participated in an NSLI for Youth summer program previously

Program Specific Requirements:

Participants must be enrolled and in good standing at all times in the 2018 BBASI NYC Program

Participants must be at a beginner level in Russian language study

Participants cannot have dual U.S. – Russian citizenship, or have been born in Russia

Any semi-finalist who is being considered as a finalist will be required to provide and complete additional documentation including, but not limited to: Scholarship Acceptance Forms, Participant Agreement, medical evaluation, registration in the U.S. Department of State Program website, and others as required.

By applying to the RAF NSLI-Y Program, all participants and their families acknowledge and agree to abide by the laws, rules, and regulations of the United States, the NSLI-Y Program, and RAF. Additionally, by applying to the RAF NSLI-Y Program, all participants and their families acknowledge and agree to abide by the laws, rules, and regulations of the Russian Federation, the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, and Foreign Hosts.

For comprehensive details about the NSLI FOR YOUTH program please visit the official NSLIY website.

*Program details are subject to change
** The Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by the Russian American Foundation (“RAF”), and implemented in collaboration with local independent entities in Russia and U.S. Additionally, unaffiliated service providers are used through-out the program.***Program implementation subject to available funding of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Application

2018 Program Dates: July 14 – August 25, 2018

Applicant must be enrolled and in good standing at all times in 2018 BBASI NY to participate (those chosen as finalists who are enrolled in the BBASI NY 6-week session will be reimbursed for the 2nd 3-weeks)

In order to apply, Applicant must first submit Notification of Intended Application form by clicking here.

Once applicant’s enrollment in BBASI will be verified, further instructions will be emailed within about a week from the Submission of Intended Application.

Applicant will be asked to submit the following application materials

Due Online to NSLI-Y*Thursday, March 22, 2018 4:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time*The link to the NSLIY Online application will be sent to applicants who have submitted the Notification of Intended Application Form and once they have enrolled, in good standing, in the BBASI NYC program.

• Online Application Form completed by the applicant.
• Terms and Conditions Form signed by applicant and all parents/legal guardians.
• Parent/legal guardian statement

Received in Hard Copy by NSLI-Y Thursday, March 22, 2018 4:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time
NOTE: Send to American Councils for International EducationATTN: NSLI-Y File Processing (#1100-G)
American Councils for International Education
1828 L St NW Ste 1200
Washington DC 20036-5136

• Grade Transcripts: sent by School Registrar or Home School Supervisor.

• RAF written application• Supplemental essay
• Two (2) Teacher recommendation letters• Copy of valid U.S. passport* (image must be clear and in color / passport must be signed)

PLEASE NOTE THAT ADDITIONAL FORMS WILL BE REQUIRED FROM THOSE SELECTED AS SEMI-FINALISTS AND FINALISTS.

The Selection Committee will review all applications, conduct phone interviews with semi-finalists, and will make final determinations in late April 2018. Determinations will be made based on the following areas: a) exhibited interest in Russian language and Russian culture, b) academic excellence, c) demonstrated maturity. Selection Committee reserves the right to award extra points to applicants who have demonstrated maturity and dedication during past enrollment in RAF’s BBASI Programs. However, all interested and registered students for the 2018 BBASI NYC are encouraged to apply for the RAF NSLI-Y Program.

For comprehensive details about the NSLI FOR YOUTH program requirements and all other information, please visit the official NSLIY website.

*Program details are subject to change
** The Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by the Russian American Foundation (“RAF”), and implemented in collaboration with local independent entities in Russia and U.S. Additionally, unaffiliated service providers are used through-out the program.
***Program implementation subject to available funding of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Testimonials

Testimonials & Videos from Past Participants and their Families“The experience our daughter had as a young person in Russia, with such unique opportunities to experience the language and culture will influence her whole life.” – Parent of past RAF NSLI-Y Participant

“The experience was life changing for our daughter. She has a more focused attitude towards her college search and a stronger comfort level as to what direction she would like to move towards career wise … She has developed a real awareness and love for Russia!” – Parent of past RAF NSLI-Y Participant

“Amazingly, I have formed connections with people on the other side of the world, learning their way of life and showing them my own.” – RAF NSLI-Y Alum, 15 yo, CA

“This program has really opened my eyes to a wider world and has made me excited to travel even more after it finishes. I feel I can take on the world and overcome many more obstacles now. I have discovered that I have been able to navigate and adapt to the culture shock much better than I expected and this has made me more confident and reassured in myself as a person. ”– RAF NSLI-Y Alum, 15 yo, OH

“Although dancing at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy was a dream come true, the time I spent with my host mom totally changed my outlook on the world. Getting a first-hand look into the Russian culture made me appreciate just how wonderfully diverse our world is! My host mom made me fall in love with the Russian culture and language. ” – RAF NSLI-Y Alum, 17 yo, FL

“What an amazing life changing opportunity for my son. It has exploded his world view and increased his curiosity about other cultures … he is well suited and prepared to go in any direction he chooses. Moscow is now at the forefront his daily thoughts, both culturally and politically.” – Parent of past RAF NSLI-Y Participant

“This trip has opened so many doors for me. I never had seriously thought of a career in a language but now it is a priority of mine.” – RAF NSLI-Y Alum, 17 yo, VA

“The program enriched and affected my daughter skills above the expectation. The team work, confidence, leadership, global awareness- all these values are priceless and will have a huge influence on her future life.” – Parent of past RAF NSLI-Y Participant

Watch the video below made by 2017 NSLI-Y Alum Anjali Mishra about her experiences during the NSLI-Y Moscow Program!

Watch the video below made by 2015 NSLI-Y Alum Katherine Free about her experiences during the BBASI NY and NSLI-Y Moscow Programs!

*Program details are subject to change
** The Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by the Russian American Foundation (“RAF”), and implemented in collaboration with local independent entities in Russia and U.S. Additionally, unaffiliated service providers are used through-out the program.***Program implementation subject to available funding of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Finalists

RAF CONGRATULATES ITS 2017 NSLI-Y FINALISTS:

Kiva Carman-Frank, WI

Catherine Cata, VA

Claire Crossman, CO

Gillian Dash, PA

Rebekah Fedele, FL

Jane Gasper, ND

Breanna Justus, KY

Sydney Maddox, SC

Julia Mitchell, OH

Victoria Pantagis, NJ

Matthew Schneider, NC

Emilie Scott, WA

Lindsay Wu, CA

*Program details are subject to change
** The Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, administered by the Russian American Foundation (“RAF”), and implemented in collaboration with local independent entities in Russia and U.S. Additionally, unaffiliated service providers are used through-out the program.***Program implementation subject to available funding of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs